Visiting Sidi Saeed Mosque Ahmedabad - The Tree of Life Jaali Masjid

Better known as the "Jaali" mosque due to its famous stone latticed carvings in the semi-circular window arches, the Sidi Saeed mosque is located in the heart of the city of Ahmedabad. It is well worth a visit, ideally in the late evening, to see the beautiful play of light as the setting sun's rays hit the windows' latticed carvings. 

                                        


The Historical Background

Tablet inscription within entrance explaining History of the Mosque

Sidi Saeed was an Abyssinian nobleman who travelled to Gujarat from Habshah (now Ethiopia) via Yemen and later served under Sultan Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud III. He was respected for helping the poor and was known to have a large collection of books.

In 1572 A.D., the nobleman built this mosque when Sultan Muzaffur Shah III was on the throne, the last of those reigning in the State in the Mughal era. The premises was later utilized as a government office during British rule.

The unique and most well-known features of this magnificent monument are the beautiful semi-circular arched windows on the western wall. The carvings on these windows' screens depict a tree with intertwining branches and one has a palm motif. It is said to depict the Tree of Life.

Resembling fine lace work, these carvings made from solid stone showcases the superb craftsmanship of the artisans who created them. Thee screens or "jaalis" became so well-known that in 1880 A.D. paper cutouts of the jaalis were made and two wooden models were created for museums in London & New York.

The two images below in white are not images which were whitened on the computer, but were taken due to some lucky, accidental chance fiddling with my smartphone camera's image option modes!

When to visit
The mosque is open throughout the day, but ideally you should visit just before the sun sets. As the sun dips over the horizon, you will get to see the  playful hide and seek of the sunlight with the jaalis. Look at the jaalis from the front, then hurry around to the back and see the sunlight falling on the jaalis from the other side. No photograph can capture the reality of the natural light show! You have to be there personally to catch it.

Tips for visitors

• The mosque is better known as the "Jaali Masjid" and auto drivers will be more familiar with this name than if you say Sidi Sayeed Masjid.
• When stepping inside, leave your footwear just inside, near the marble inscription where the historical aspect of the mosque is explained, then only go ahead.
• Those who wish to have an Audio guide can call: 079-66210275 and wait for a call back.

Location

The Sidi Saeed Mosque is located at Mirzapur Road, opposite MG Hotel, approximately 3kms. from the Ahmedabad railway station.